1. Overview of nanocellulose

Nanocellulose ( Nanocellulose ) is a nanoscale functional material prepared Its diameter is usually from natural plant fibers through processes such as high-pressure homogenization, TEMPO oxidation or enzymatic defibration. 5–50 nm , has the characteristics of high aspect ratio and high specific surface area, and can form a stable three-dimensional network structure in aqueous systems.

Common types include:

CNF ( Cellulose Nanofiber , nanocellulose fiber)

CNC ( Cellulose Nanocrystal , nanocrystalline cellulose)

BC ( Bacterial Cellulose , bacterial cellulose)

In daily chemical suspension systems, CNF is more widely used due to its excellent rheological control ability and structural support.

2. Core issues faced by daily chemical suspension systems

In products such as shower gel, shampoo, laundry beads, scrubs, essences, etc., it is often necessary to suspend:

Pearlescent particles

vitamin microcapsules

Plant essence particles

Pigment particles

Functional additives

Although traditional suspending agents (such as carbomer, xanthan gum, cellulose ethers) have a certain thickening effect, in high-salt systems, electrolyte environments or long-term storage conditions, they are prone to:

particle settling

Structural collapse

Cut recovery is slow

Sticky to the touch

Therefore, the industry is in urgent need of a new functional material with low addition amount, high suspension force, green and sustainable.

3. Suspension mechanism of nanocellulose

1. Three-dimensional structural support mechanism

Nanocellulose forms a spatial network structure through hydrogen bonding in water, which produces a ' spatial confinement effect ' on suspended particles. Long-term stable suspension can be achieved at a low addition amount ( 0.2%–0.8% ).

2. Rheology control ability

The nanocellulose system has obvious pseudoplastic characteristics:

Forms structure when left to rest → Provides high yield stress

Shear thinning when extruded → easy to flow

Quickly resume after shearing stops → maintain suspended state

This thixotropic recovery ability makes it suitable for both stability and user experience in daily chemical products.

3. Interface adsorption and stability enhancement

Nanofibers have a large specific surface area, which can form a physical adsorption layer on the particle surface, enhance particle dispersion stability, and reduce the risk of aggregation and sedimentation.

4. Typical application scenarios

1. Shower gel and shampoo

Used to suspend pearlescent agents and functional particles to improve product appearance uniformity and long-term stability, while improving flow feel.

2. Laundry beads and liquid detergent

It maintains structural stability in high electrolyte environments and enhances anti-stratification and anti-sedimentation capabilities.

3. Functional skin care system

Construct a microstructure support network to achieve uniform distribution of active substances and improve the overall stability of the system.

5. Green and sustainable advantages

Nanocellulose is derived from natural plant fibers and has:

Renewable

Biodegradable

Microplastic free

In line with the development trend of green daily chemicals

In the context of the global daily chemical industry upgrading towards environmental protection and safety, nanocellulose, as a natural functional suspending agent, has long-term development potential.

6. Industry technology development trends

In recent years, with the maturity of technologies such as carboxylation and surface modification, the rheological properties and system adaptability of nanocellulose have been continuously improved. Some domestic companies have made systematic layouts in large-scale preparation and application development. For example, Nanjing Tianlu Nanotechnology Co., Ltd. continues to carry out technological exploration in the research and development and industrial application of nanocellulose materials, promoting its actual implementation in daily chemicals and functional suspension systems.

Conclusion

Nanocellulose has shown significant advantages in the field of daily chemical suspension agents due to its three-dimensional structural support, excellent rheological control ability and green attributes. In the future, with the advancement of modification technology and large-scale application, its application space in high-end daily chemical products will be further expanded.